Can a 32-year-old woman with amenorrhea still be treated?
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Amenorrhea usually refers to either never having had a menstrual period or an abnormal cessation of the menstrual cycle. In a 32-year-old woman, amenorrhea may be caused by physiological factors, but pathological conditions should also be considered. Diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, pituitary tumors, functional ovarian tumors, Turner syndrome, and Sheehan's syndrome could lead to amenorrhea. It is recommended to seek evaluation at a hospital gynecology department for proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment based on the underlying cause.
Amenorrhea usually refers to either never having had a menstrual period or an abnormal cessation of the menstrual cycle. Amenorrhea in a 32-year-old woman may be caused by physiological factors, but pathological conditions should also be considered. Fortunately, it is generally treatable. The specific analysis is as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
When a woman normally has regular menstrual cycles and engages in sexual intercourse during the ovulation period without any contraceptive measures, pregnancy is highly likely. After conception, the endometrium gradually thickens and does not undergo periodic shedding, resulting in the absence of menstruation. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and typically does not require special treatment.
II. Pathological Conditions
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
In patients with PCOS, immature follicles fail to develop properly and no ovum is released, which may lead to amenorrhea. It is recommended to restrict calorie intake, consume low-sugar and high-fiber foods, and engage in moderate physical exercise to control body weight. Patients may take medications such as dydrogesterone tablets, drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, or ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate tablets under medical guidance to help regulate the menstrual cycle, with gradual restoration of normal function.
2. Pituitary Tumor
The most common clinical type is prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma. Excess secretion of prolactin directly affects ovarian follicles, preventing their maturation and leading to amenorrhea. Accurate diagnosis is recommended. Doctors may prescribe targeted medications such as thyroid hormone tablets or fludrocortisone acetate tablets. Surgical intervention is also an option to help restore ovarian function.
In addition, other conditions such as functional ovarian tumors, Turner syndrome, and Sheehan's syndrome may also cause amenorrhea. It is advisable to seek prompt evaluation at a hospital gynecology department for accurate diagnosis, after which a physician can develop an appropriate treatment plan.
